A fine portrait is successful collaboration between artist, client and subject. Harryman has evolved a modern procedure that permits sittings to be kept to a minimum and makes it possible to create a portrait with full assurance that, when finished, it will represent the combined desires of those most intimately involved.

Following a thorough discussion with his clients as to the spirit and function of the painting to be produced, Harryman records the sittings using high resolution digital photography. All aspects of pose, costume, lighting, and sitting are explored thoroughly. The use of digital photography allows for immediate review of the photographs during and after sittings. Please note that the entire procedure only involves about six hours of the sitters time. When the pressure of a particular busy schedule demands it, a shorter procedure, involving only about three and one-half hours is possible. While the actual execution of the portrait in Harryman’s studio involves many additional hours of study and painting, the sitter need be present only at certain crucial and specific times as outlined below. 

THE SITTINGS (3)
The procedure starts with two sittings of about 90 minutes each on (ideally) consecutive days. Digital photographs taken during these sittings are reviewed on the camera monitor by the artist during these sittings as each photo is created and again on a laptop computer screen and/or digitally projected to a life size screen for easy review after the sitting is over. On the second day, the digital photographs are again reviewed with the subject before during and after the sitting. Only when the subject, the artist and those persons most intimately involved agree that the unique character of the sitter has been captured photographically and that the design and content of the painting have been thoroughly established does Harryman proceed with the final canvas. Major decisions made, a custom made frame is ordered so that it will be ready for viewing the nearly completed portrait during the last sitting. The last sitting takes place at a convenient location with the portrait in the frame. All remaining important touches are made during this sitting. When these finishing touches are complete, the portrait is finished and ready for display. 

A SHORTER PROCEDURE (2 Sittings)
Often, because of the pressure of a particularly busy schedule, a shorter program consisting of two sittings is agreed upon. First, a photography session, during which all aspects of the portrait (as discussed above), are thoroughly explored and agreed upon.  The Second and final session, the completed painting is presented in the frame, finishing touches made and the portrait is finished and ready for display.

Portrait Procedure -Creating The "Better Half Portrait"  

“Better Half Portraits” by Harryman represent the lighter side of portrait painting. These portraits are painted with SEPIA TONE oil paints on panel mounted canvas. There is only one (1)  photographic sitting required. High resolution digital photographs are created, reviewed on the camera monitor by the artist during this sitting and reviewed again on a laptop computer screen with the sitter and client after the sitting is over. Only when the subject (s) and artist are satisfied with the reference photos and agree that the unique character of the subject (s) has been captured photographically and that the design and content have been thoroughly established does Harryman proceed with the final canvas. Major decisions made, a custom made frame is ordered so it will be ready for final review of the painting in frame. All important touches are complete during this final review and the portrait is finished and ready for display.  

TECHNICAL 
Harryman uses the finest art materials to create portraits using oil paints on panel mounted canvas. A protective varnish is applied to the portrait by a qualified person about six months after completion of the portrait. The varnished portrait is now protected (front and back) from moisture, punctures, UV rays and the flexing that occurs when the more traditional stretched canvas is used.